MyReporter - Embassy Suites, Hotel Indigo haven't begun construction

Sunday

Jun 30, 2013 at 11:26 PM

USA InvestCo. does have plans to build a 125-room Hotel Indigo by the Cape Fear River.

A. The StarNews posed this question to Ron Satterfield, the city's planning manager.Satterfield reviewed the city records and found three separate hotels that have started construction since March 2008.Those hotels are:Hampton Inn 124 Old Eastwood RoadHomewood Suites – Hilton at 6732 Swan Mill RoadCourtyard by Marriott at 229 N. Second St.

– Julian March

A. You might have to stay tuned for a definite answer.USA InvestCo., controlled by developer Charles Schoninger, does have plans to build a 125-room Hotel Indigo by the Cape Fear River near the Wilmington Convention Center, but there is no timeline available for when construction might start.In November, the developers working to build Embassy Suites next to the convention center said they are planning to open in May or June of 2014. It is possible that could be delayed because the developer, Harmony Hospitality of Virginia, has been waiting to get its financing in order.Harmony has attributed the delays to waiting on the federal government to approve paperwork for the Immigrant Investor Program, known as EB-5, which is administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The program allows foreign investors a fast track to obtain a green card, which allows non-citizens permanent residency.Harmony has requested three extensions to a development agreement with the city first launched in February 2012. The agreement now expires July 31.In March, Hilton Hotels signed off on Harmony's application to build a $33.6 million, 186-room Embassy Suites on the site, sandwiched between the convention center, the Cape Fear River and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. The 163,000-square foot hotel would also include a full-service restaurant on its second floor and 6,600 square feet of meeting space.